Overall Rating:

Three-row crossovers are great for hauling kids and cargo, but they aren’t always pleasing to drive. The Mazda CX-9 is a rare example of a crossover that still blends a great deal of driving fun in with all the utility thanks to a well-sorted chassis and communicative steering. Also, its beautifully designed exterior looks the part, with a long hood, steeply raked windshield, and fastback rear end. Inside is an equally lovely cabin, dressed in nearly class-above materials and features. We’d be lying if we told you all this goodness came without compromises: Cargo capacity and third-row passenger space are among the lowest in the segment. But those compromises are small, and they weren’t enough to sway us from naming it to our 10Best Trucks and SUVs list for 2017.

What’s New for 2018?

Only a few changes are in store for the CX-9 this year. Low-speed automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are all now standard across the CX-9 lineup. Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control, a system that reduces engine torque imperceptibly as the vehicle enters a corner to help improve cornering stability, is now also standard. A new Sport package for the Sport trim level curiously offers no additional sporting features but instead includes a suite of active safety features such as automatic high-beams, lane-keeping assist, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and adaptive cruise control. This package also adds heated front seats with power adjustment for the driver. The mid-level Touring trim sees enhancements to its power front-seat adjustments and now includes a tilt function for the driver’s seat and height and lumbar support adjustments for the front passenger. Grand Touring models now feature heated second-row seats and a heated steering wheel. Lastly, a new color joins the palette: Soul Red Crystal.

What Was New for 2017?

Redesigned late in 2016, the Mazda CX-9 carried over to 2017 with no changes

What Was New for 2016?

The 2016 model marked the second generation of Mazda’s three-row family crossover, boasting lighter-weight construction, interior trimmings that were exceptionally more upscale, and a focus on driving dynamism. A 250-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine replaced the first generation’s V-6, and fuel efficiency was vastly improved. Above all, Mazda successfully scaled up the exterior designs of the Mazda 3 compact car and the MX-5 Miata sports car to work with the CX-9’s crossover size.

Trims and Options We Chose for 2017

The best bang for the buck is the CX-9 Touring, which is the second of four trim levels. For $4450 more than the base Sport trim, the Touring includes niceties such as:

For $1745, the Touring Premium package adds a long list of features, including navigation, automated emergency braking, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio, LED fog lamps, and a power sunroof. At $38,655, the front-wheel-drive CX-9 Touring with the Premium package is a good value that the whole family will appreciate. All-wheel drive is available for an extra $1800, but front-wheel drive should be enough for most buyers.

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